If you’re looking for a quick and delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of cinnamon and sugar with a soft, chewy texture, then these Cake Mix Snickerdoodles are just the ticket! Using a box of yellow cake mix as a base, these cookies come together in a flash, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or weeknight cravings. The best part? You probably have most of the ingredients already in your pantry!
Why It’s Crowd-Pleasing
These Cake Mix Snickerdoodles are not only incredibly easy to make, but they also deliver on flavor and texture. The yellow cake mix creates a soft and tender cookie, while the combination of sugar and cinnamon provides that classic snickerdoodle flavor that everyone loves. Whether you’re baking for a party, a bake sale, or just for yourself, these cookies are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Plus, they come together in one bowl, minimizing cleanup and maximizing enjoyment!
What to Buy
When making Cake Mix Snickerdoodles, here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- 1 box yellow cake mix – This will be the base of your cookies and provide a sweet, buttery flavor.
- ½ cup vegetable oil – Adds moisture and richness to the cookies.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and helps the cookies rise.
- 1 tsp cream of tartar – Essential for that signature snickerdoodle tang and chewy texture.
- ¾ cup sugar – Sweetens the cookies and helps create a lovely crust.
- 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon – Adds warmth and spice, making these cookies irresistible.
Cook’s Kit
Before you start baking, make sure you have the following items on hand:
- Mixing bowl – For combining all of your ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons – To ensure accurate measurements.
- Baking sheet – Where your cookies will bake to perfection.
- Parchment paper – Optional, but it helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Whisk or spoon – For mixing your dough.
Cook Cake Mix Snickerdoodles Like This
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until everything is fully combined and smooth.
Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the cream of tartar, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough will be a bit sticky, but that’s okay!
Step 4: Roll the Dough
Using your hands, scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls.
Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating
In a small bowl, mix together the remaining sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this mixture until fully coated.
Step 6: Bake
Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Cake Mix Snickerdoodles warm or at room temperature!
Seasonal Serving Ideas
These Cake Mix Snickerdoodles are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways throughout the year:
- Serve them warm with a scoop of Cinnamon Vanilla Bean Ice Cream for a delightful dessert.
- Pack them in lunchboxes as a sweet treat for school or work.
- Use them as a base for ice cream sandwiches during the summer.
- Decorate them with festive sprinkles for holidays or special occasions.
Author’s Commentary
As a baker who loves quick and easy recipes, I find that these Cake Mix Snickerdoodles are a lifesaver. They come together in no time and always impress guests with their soft texture and delicious flavor. Plus, who doesn’t love a classic snickerdoodle? This recipe can easily be customized by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of Chocolate Buttercream Frosting on top for an extra indulgent treat!
Prep Ahead & Store
You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. When ready to bake, simply roll the dough in cinnamon sugar and bake as directed. If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. These cookies also freeze well; just make sure to layer them between sheets of parchment paper and store them in a freezer-safe bag.
Reader Q&A
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with chocolate cake mix or even spice cake mix for a fun twist.
What can I substitute for vegetable oil?
You can use melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for vegetable oil. Both will work well in this recipe.
Can I make these cookies gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make these cookies gluten-free. Just ensure that all other ingredients used are also gluten-free.
How can I make these cookies more festive?
Add seasonal spices like nutmeg or ginger to the dough, or incorporate festive-themed sprinkles into the cinnamon sugar coating for a holiday touch!
Ready, Set, Cook
Now that you have all the information at your fingertips, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! These Cake Mix Snickerdoodles are sure to become a family favorite, making any day a little sweeter. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
Cake Mix Snickerdoodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat Your Oven - Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cookies bake evenly and come out perfectly golden.
- Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, vegetable oil, and eggs. Mix well until everything is fully combined and smooth.
- Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients - Stir in the cream of tartar, sugar, and ground cinnamon. Mix until a soft dough forms. The dough will be a bit sticky, but that’s okay!
- Step 4: Roll the Dough - Using your hands, scoop out small portions of dough (about 1 tablespoon each) and roll them into balls.
- Step 5: Prepare the Cinnamon Sugar Coating - In a small bowl, mix together the remaining sugar and ground cinnamon. Roll each dough ball in this mixture until fully coated.
- Step 6: Bake - Place the coated dough balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden.
- Step 7: Cool and Enjoy - Once baked, remove the cookies from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy your delicious Cake Mix Snickerdoodles warm or at room temperature!
Notes
- You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days.
- These cookies freeze well; layer them between parchment paper.
- Experiment with different cake mixes for fun variations.
